A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted two men, Alexander Sánchez-Morales and Bryan Merced-Bigio, on charges of armed robbery. The indictment is related to an incident at the China City restaurant in Bayamón. United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, announced the four-count indictment.
The government alleges that on October 10, 2024, Sánchez-Morales and a co-conspirator followed a woman and her children to a residence above the China City restaurant. The defendants allegedly forced their way into the home and assaulted the husband with a machine gun before stealing money linked to the restaurant business. They fled as agents from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau arrived.
United States Attorney Muldrow stated: "The armed robbery allegedly committed by these individuals was a horrific home invasion that spread fear through the community." He emphasized that combating violent crime is a top priority for federal law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico.
Christopher A. Robinson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division commented: “This indictment represents continuing ATF efforts in the fight against violent crime and those who use machineguns to further their violent activities.”
Joseph González from the FBI’s San Juan Field Office highlighted their mission to ensure safety for all individuals regardless of legal status. He encouraged victims targeted due to ethnicity or race to report crimes by calling 787-987-6500 or submitting tips online.
If convicted, Sánchez-Morales and Merced-Bigio face life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine sentences based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeanette Collazo and Jonathan Gottfried are prosecuting the case with investigation support from ATF and FBI.
An indictment is an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.